12th January 2011
Armsmaster, Director Piggot, and the rest of the Protectorate and senior PRT members gathered in a conference room to discuss the results of Faust's fight with the Empire capes and his subsequent power testing.
Armsmaster stood before the gathered team, the holographic display showing the events of Faust's confrontation with Krieg, Fenja, Menja, Rune, and Victor.
"Faust's powers proved to be formidable," Armsmaster began, his voice measured. "He was able to hold off the combined assault of Krieg, Fenja, Menja, Rune, and Victor, using his shaker abilities to create barriers and traps."
He gestured to the holographic display which changed, now showing Faust's strategic use of his powers to outmaneuver and overpower his opponents. "Despite their best efforts, Faust managed to capture Victor and Rune," Armsmaster continued. "It was a calculated move, using his powers to incapacitate them while dealing with the rest of the group, though he claims that Rune fell off her platform during the fighting."
He paused, his gaze thoughtful. "However, we should not discount the possibility that Rune's fall was not accidental. It's possible that he orchestrated her fall."
The team listened intently, absorbing the information and considering its implications. Faust's display of power was impressive, and it was clear that he was not to be underestimated.
"Convincing Faust to come in for power testing was no easy feat," Armsmaster began. "He is a cautious individual, wary of authority and suspicious of our motives. However, I was able to appeal to his sense of logic and reason, explaining that the testing was routine and necessary for his own safety and the safety of others."
"Before I continue however, I've noticed a pattern in Faust's mannerisms that leads me to believe his powers may have an effect on his mental state," Armsmaster began. "Going over all of the Protectorate's encounters with Faust and after going through interviews, I've observed Faust displaying different mannerisms and behaviors, especially when he is in his changer form."
"Is he unstable?" Velocity asked. "The last thing we need is a Cape as powerful as Faust being batshit insane."
Velocity's question about Faust's stability prompted Armsmaster to clarify his observations. "I don't believe Faust is unstable in the traditional sense," Armsmaster explained. "His behavior seems more controlled and calculated, suggesting that his powers may be more nuanced than simple instability."
He continued, "It's possible that Faust's powers include another thinker aspect, allowing him to project a personality that he knows his opponents will react to in a positive or negative way. This would give him an advantage, allowing him to manipulate his enemies' perceptions and reactions."
He gestured to the holographic display, now showing footage of Faust's different forms and behaviors. "When Faust was transformed, his demeanor was different. He was more aggressive, more unpredictable. It's as if his powers are amplifying certain aspects of his personality."
"Another Thinker Aspect" Piggot asked sharply.
"Yes, Director Piggot," Armsmaster replied. "Faust's submission of detailed information about both the Empire and the ABB suggests a primary thinker aspect to his powers. It's possible that he has the ability to gather and process information at an accelerated rate, allowing him to gather intelligence and make strategic decisions with remarkable efficiency."
Piggot's expression was thoughtful as she considered this new information. "If that's the case, then we need to be even more cautious in our approach to Faust," she said. "His thinker abilities could give him a significant advantage in planning and executing his actions if directed against us."
Armsmaster nodded in agreement. "Agreed, Director. We'll need to be prepared for anything when dealing with Faust. We can't afford to underestimate him."
Piggot nodded and Armsmaster continued.
He then turned his attention to Faust's changer form. "When Faust transforms, he gains additional abilities, including a shaker aspect to his powers," Armsmaster continued. "This allows him to manipulate the world around him, creating barriers, traps, and other effects that can hinder or incapacitate his opponents."
Armsmaster continued his briefing, detailing Faust's abilities in more depth. "In addition to his Shaker powers, Faust has demonstrated the ability to summon and control large numbers of gorilla-like projections," he explained. "These creatures seem to be under his complete control, obeying his commands without question."
"Faust has further demonstrated the ability to manipulate objects with telekinesis," he explained. "This telekinetic ability allows him to move objects with his mind, giving him a versatile and powerful tool in combat."
He gestured to a holographic display showing simulations of Faust using his telekinetic abilities. "Faust's telekinesis is not as powerful as some parahumans with similar powers, but his control is very refined," Armsmaster continued. "He has shown the ability to use it for fine manipulation and also is able to lift and throw objects weighing several tons."
Armsmaster stood at the head of the table, a holographic display of Faust's powers hovering in front of him. "Based on the test results, Faust's powers are incredibly versatile," he began.
Armsmaster then continued, providing more information about the nature of Faust's powers. "We've conducted extensive testing on Faust's oath powers via volunteers," he began. "And we've determined that he can only compel individuals to either do something or refrain from doing something. This limitation seems to be a fundamental aspect of Faust's abilities."
He gestured to the holographic display, showing examples of Faust's powers in action. "When Faust uses his oath powers, he must specify the action he wants the individual to take or refrain from taking," Armsmaster explained. "Once the oath is….."sanctified", the individual is compelled to comply, or face the consequences."
Armsmaster's briefing continued, delving deeper into the effects of Faust's oath powers. "We've also confirmed that individuals who break an oath sworn to Faust suffer from what appears to be 'bad luck'," he explained. "This effect is not a master power, as we initially suspected, but rather a global shaker power that affects the world around the oathbreaker."
He gestured to the holographic display, showing data and examples of the "bad luck" phenomenon. "When someone breaks an oath to Faust, they seem to become more prone to accidents, misfortune, and other negative events," Armsmaster continued. "This effect is not limited to the oathbreaker but can also affect those around them, creating a ripple effect of 'bad luck'."
Armsmaster paused and continued his explanation. "To stop the penalty of 'bad luck' incurred by breaking an oath to Faust, the individual must seek forgiveness from Faust and undertake a new task assigned by the Faust,"
This added an additional layer of complexity to dealing with Faust. Not only did oathbreakers suffer from the effects of "bad luck," but they also had to seek forgiveness and complete a new task assigned by Faust, further cementing his control over them.
"This aspect of Faust's powers makes it even more important for us to prevent oathbreakers from falling under his influence," Armsmaster continued. "We must be vigilant in protecting individuals from making oaths to Faust and ensure that those who do are aware of the consequences."
"So all that on top of a decent Brute rating? Man, some people have all the luck." Assault whined, earning a smack from Battery.
"Our analysis of Faust's abilities has been inconclusive regarding a brute rating. While he has displayed abilities that could be interpreted as brute-like, they are not consistent. He was able to react to Velocity for example, yet he was unable to display such reaction times to other individuals. We believe that his powers more resemble a breaker state than a normal brute power." Armsmaster paused and hesitated before looking at Piggot who nodded.
"It's possible that Faust can partially transform into his changer form, allowing him to alter his physical form, creating the illusion of enhanced strength or durability. This would explain why his abilities seem to mimic those of a brute but without consistent displays of a Brute rating."
Armsmaster addressed the team, providing further insight into Faust's limitations. "According to Faust, his changer form can only be used a limited number of times," he began. "Additionally, he claims that his shaker powers and summoning abilities can only be utilized while he is in his changer form."
He continued, "This limitation suggests that Faust's changer form is not something he can maintain indefinitely, and that he must conserve its use for strategic purposes."
Armsmaster then recounted his experience upon arriving at the rooftop where Faust had been. "When I arrived, the rooftop resembled more of a factory floor than a typical rooftop," he explained. "There were various structures and machinery present, indicating the extent of Faust's shaker powers in his changer form."
He gestured to a holographic display showing the rooftop transformation. "However, when Faust dropped his changer form, the changes faded, restoring the rooftop to its previous condition."
Director Piggot addressed the gathered group, her expression serious as she surveyed the room. "I'd like to hear your opinions on our current situation with Faust," she began. "We've gathered a considerable amount of information about his powers and capabilities, but we still have much to learn."
She turned to Armsmaster. "Armsmaster, what is your assessment of Faust's threat level? Do you believe we have the resources and strategies in place to deal with him effectively?"
Armsmaster considered the question carefully before responding. "I believe Faust is a high-level threat," he said. "His powers are formidable and versatile, and he has proven himself to be a cunning and resourceful adversary. However, I believe that with the right approach and the proper resources, we can neutralize the threat he poses."
Armsmaster then outlined a strategy for dealing with Faust, emphasizing the need for caution and precision. "First and foremost, do not make any promises in earshot of Faust," he instructed. "His oath powers are triggered by promises, so we must avoid making any commitments that could give him an advantage."
He continued, "Secondly, we should stick to ranged attacks and use numbers to keep him off balance. Faust's powers are most effective at close range, so keeping our distance and overwhelming him with firepower will be our best chance at neutralizing him."
Piggot nodded, acknowledging his assessment. She then turned to the rest of the team. "I'd like to hear from the rest of you," she said. "What are your thoughts on Faust and how do you believe we should proceed in dealing with him?"
"We should recruit him." Velocity blurted out, not realizing he had said it out loud.
This surprised some members of the team and he felt that he needed to explain, "If we could convince Faust to work with us, we could potentially harness his powers to clean up the Bay and the PRT. He has shown a willingness to cooperate under certain circumstances, I say we go for it."
Director Piggot immediately disagreed "While Faust's powers could potentially help us uncover traitors, using them in this manner would be a violation of our principles and the rights of our members. We must find other ways to address this issue without resorting to Parahumans to do this, the PRT was made to govern the Protectorate not the other way round."
Director Piggot's stance on using parahumans to uncover traitors in the PRT caused tension to rise quickly among the team.
"Director Piggot, with all due respect, I believe you should consider all options," Armsmaster spoke up. "The members of the Protectorate have unique abilities that could be invaluable in rooting out traitors. You shouldn't dismiss our help so easily."
Piggot remained steadfast in her position. "I understand your concerns, but we must adhere to our principles," she replied. "Using parahumans in this manner would only serve to undermine the trust and integrity of the PRT. We will find another way to address this issue, one that aligns with our values."
The tension in the room was palpable as the team grappled with Piggot's decision. They knew that finding a solution without using parahumans would be challenging.
"Is he secretly Eidolon in disguise?" Assault loudly asks suddenly.
Assault's question about Faust being secretly Eidolon was met with a mixture of amusement and confusion from the team. Director Piggot raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the unexpected question.
"Assault, I think we can safely assume that such rumors are nothing more than wild speculation," Armsmaster replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "Let's focus on the task at hand and leave the conspiracy theories for another time."
The team chuckled at the lighthearted moment, grateful for the brief reprieve from the tension.
"How powerful is Faust?" Miss Militia speaks up, quickly changing the subject.
Armsmaster addressed Miss Militia's question about Faust's threat level. "While Faust may not be at the same level as Lung, he is still one of the most powerful parahumans currently in Brockton Bay," he explained. "He has demonstrated the ability to take on multiple other parahumans and emerge victorious. His powers are versatile and unpredictable, making him a significant threat."
"How complete is the information provided by Faust?" Triumph asked.
"The information Faust has provided is very complete," Armsmaster explained. "He has given us detailed insights into the operations and structures of both the Empire and the ABB. If we act quickly and decisively, we can use this information to cripple both organizations and significantly weaken their hold on the city."
Director Piggot's response was immediate and firm. "We cannot act on unverified information from a potentially unstable parahuman," she stated. "While Faust's information may be valuable, we need to corroborate it through other means before we can take any action. We cannot risk making a mistake that could have serious consequences."
"We need to gather more intelligence and verify Faust's claims before we can proceed," Piggot continued. "I want everyone to focus on gathering as much information as possible about the Empire and the ABB. We will not make any moves until we are certain of our course of action."
Armsmaster stepped forward, his tone measured and barely kept the bitterness out of his voice. "Director Piggot, while I understand your concerns, I must emphasize that Faust's information has already proven to be of use," he began. "The Cornell Bomber case, which Faust provided information on, was handed over to the New York Protectorate, who successfully captured the tinker responsible."
He continued, "Faust's information has been accurate and valuable so far. We cannot afford to dismiss it now, especially when we have a chance to cripple the Empire and the ABB. We should act on this opportunity before it slips away."
The tension in the room rose palpably as Director Piggot remained steadfast in her decision not to act on Faust's information. Armsmaster, sensing the urgency of the situation, stepped forward once again, his voice edged with determination.
"Director Piggot, we cannot afford to ignore this opportunity, not with how the PRT is being dragged through the mud," he insisted. "We need results and we need them fast."
Piggot's expression remained stern, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She knew that Armsmaster had a point, but she was also wary of the risks involved in acting on unverified information from a parahuman.
"Armsmaster, I understand your concerns, but we must proceed with caution," she replied. "We cannot rush into this without verifying Faust's information. We will continue to gather intelligence and assess the situation before making any decisions."
The tension in the room remained as the team grappled with the conflicting viewpoints. They knew that the stakes were high, and the decisions they made could have far-reaching consequences. They were facing a critical moment in their efforts to combat the gangs, and the outcome would depend on their ability to navigate the challenges ahead.
"Perhaps we should involve the Police in this? As a Peace offering?" Vice Director Rennick suggested trying to lower tensions.
It worked at first as the Vice Director's suggestion to deescalate the situation by sending some of the information to the police and working with them as a peace offering was met with thoughtful consideration by the team.
But the Vice Director's suggestion was met with a dissenting opinion from Armsmaster. He raised his concerns, "While I understand the intention behind the suggestion, I believe we should prioritize our efforts internally first. Sharing sensitive information with the police could compromise our operations and put our agents at risk."
"You want the PRT and the Protectorate to handle the entire thing?" Piggot asked.
"We must acknowledge the strained relationship between the PRT and the police force," Armsmaster replied. "The recent events, including Brandish's support for the arrest of Shadowstalker's civilian identity, have further complicated matters and eroded trust between the two organizations." He paused, "We cannot afford to be constrained by inter-department politics."
Director Piggot's reaction to the reminder of her blunder was palpable, but she acknowledged the reality of the situation. "You're right," she conceded with gritted teeth. "The relationship with the police is strained, and we cannot ignore the fact that not all moles from the police department were captured."
She paused, a hint of frustration in her voice. "We need to find a way to rebuild trust with the police and address the remaining issues within our own organization. Let's break for now. We can revisit this once we have cooled off, Dismissed."
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